All, My earliest known Reeves ancestor was Robert Ryves born about 1490 in England and died Feb 11, 1551 in Blandford, Dorsetshire, England. His wife was Joan (Unknown) and they were married about 1512. Robert was thought to be the second generation of his line to be in England. Prior to the mid to late 1400's, his family is thought to have migrated from France. My current research project is trying to make a connection between the Ryves of Dorset, England and the Rives family in France. A few months ago, I came across a book titled "The Yellow Cross - The Story of the Last Cathars' Rebellion against the Inquisition (1290 - 1329)" by Rene Weis. In this book are many references to the Rives family who were prominent players thoughout the book. It mentions a Bernard Rives and his wife Alazais who lived in the town of Montaillou, France. Next door to them was Bernard's brother Raymond Rives. Bernard and Alazais Rives were married adults with children during the 1290 to 1300 time frame. The interesting thing mentioned in the book is that Bernard and his brother Raymond Rives make their living in the textile trade. Coincidentally, this is the same business in which the Ryves of Dorset, England made their living. I haven't made a direct connection yet, but it seems possible the Ryves of Dorset could be descendants of this Rives family in Monaillou, France. Regards, Barry Reeves